Friday, January 3, 2025 - 54-year-old Italy-based businesswoman, Tina Uyi, escaped death by
whiskers in the wee hours of New Year’s Day after her ex-husband, Osaro
Ahunwan, 55, allegedly set her house ablaze in Edo State.
The incident occurred at Iduomwina Street, Off Tipper Road, in Isihor
community, Benin city.
Tina sustained third-degree burns in the incident and is currently
receiving treatment at an undisclosed private hospital in Benin city.
The victim
was said to have her travel documents and lost a huge sum of money both in
local and foreign currencies including packages from her friends in Italy to
their loved ones in Nigeria to the inferno.
According to an eyewitness account, Tina who returned to Nigeria from
her base in Italy on December 31, 2024, heard a loud bang on her window while
coming out from the bathroom
The eyewitness revealed that upon inquiry, Tina discovered it was her
estranged husband, Osaro who allegedly banged the window, demanding entry into
her apartment.
She was said to have allegedly refused to allow her ex-husband into her
apartment, claiming that their relationship had ended as her family had
returned her bride price since April 2024.
Osaro was said to have been infuriated by Tina”s refusal to allow him
into her house and allegedly threatened to burn down her apartment and harm its
occupants
“Despite Tina’s plea for him to leave the promises, Osaro reportedly
shattered the glass windows, doused the apartment with Petrol, and set it on
fire through the help of a lighter and fuel, leaving the entire apartment
completely razed.
“The inferno quickly engulfed the building, but neighbours intervened
and successfully rescued Tina’s elderly parents (who are nonagenarians) from
the flames,” the eyewitness narrated.
“It took the frantic efforts of men of the Edo State Fire Service to put
out the flames that wreaked havoc before their arrival”, the source said.
Tina, who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune from her hospital bed, narrated
that sometime in 2023, Osaro had allegedly threatened to kill her and himself
as well.
“Osaro destroyed my Lexus(330) Jeep when we had a misunderstanding. He
likes too much control and is very suspicious; even when I am out shopping and
he calls, as soon as he hears a male’s voice, he abuses me and calls me names,”
she narrated.
"So because of his violent and overbearing character, I decided to
quit the marriage that lasted less than 2 years”
It was gathered that the Police in Ekiadolor have arrested the suspect,
and his accomplice, Odaro Ovia Robo (Tina’s elder brother), over the
incident.
According to the publication, during interrogation, Osaro confessed that
Tina’s elder brother, Odaro Oviarobo, popularly known as “OD,” provided him
with detailed information about his sister’s (Tina) return itinerary.
He was said to have admitted that he paid Odaro N5,000 (Five Thousand
Naira) for information and revealed that he had hidden in Odaro’s apartment
with the container of petrol.
The suspect further claimed that the lighter used to ignite the fire was
also supplied by Odaro.
Sources disclosed that Odaro harboured grievances against his sister,
accusing her of withholding financial assistance despite constructing a hotel.
It was further gathered that Tina had previously sponsored Odaro’s trip
abroad in 2003, but he returned to Nigeria voluntarily after 10 years, leaving
behind his partner and a baby girl.
Since his return, he has reportedly been unemployed and reliant on Tina
for financial support.
The spokesperson of the Edo State Command, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident, adding that both Osaro and Odaro remain in police custody as investigation continues.
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